Categories: Politics

State Department says Ukraine ready to accept 30-day ceasefire deal: ‘Ball is now in Russia’s court’

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Monday that “the ball is now in Russia’s court” to accept a U.S.-proposed ceasefire deal that Ukraine agreed to last week.

The U.S.-backed proposal, which includes an immediate 30-day ceasefire and guaranteed resumption of U.S. military aid and intelligence to Ukraine, was finalized during diplomatic talks in Saudi Arabia last week.

“Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the U.S. proposal to enact an immediate interim 30-day ceasefire to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The ball is now in Russia’s court,” Bruce said during the State Department’s second briefing of Trump’s second term. “Following this historic meeting, Secretary [of State Marco] Rubio traveled to the G7 in Canada, where our partners expressed support for a swift and a durable end to this conflict.”

UKRAINE UNVEILS 600-MILE CRUISE MISSILE THAT CAN REACH MOSCOW AMID PEACE TALKS

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said Monday that “the ball is now in Russia’s court” to accept a U.S.-proposed ceasefire deal that Ukraine agreed to last week. (Sputnik/Alexei Danichev/Pool via REUTERS/Leah Millis/Alina Smutko)

After President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week, Putin said during a news conference that he agreed with the truce in principle, noting, “The idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it.” Meanwhile, Trump’s national security advisor, Michael Waltz, said following the meeting that there is “cautious optimism” a ceasefire could be close at hand.

While a ceasefire appears imminent, Russia and Ukraine still need to resolve key disagreements before finalizing the deal.

RUSSIA WANTS ‘IRONCLAD’ GUARANTEE THAT UKRAINE WILL BE BARRED FROM NATO: OFFICIAL

These include negotiations related to Ukraine’s entrance into NATO — which Russia has said is a non-starter — territorial integrity disputes and security guarantees, such as whether NATO peacekeeping troops will be allowed in Ukraine to maintain the ceasefire. Potential prisoner swaps will also need to be ironed out between the two warring nations.

While a ceasefire appears imminent, Russia and Ukraine still need to resolve key disagreements before finalizing the deal. (Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Trump has also signaled that control of certain land and power plants in Ukraine would also be part of the negotiations.

While Trump and his team have expressed optimism about the deal, GOP South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds said only “time will tell” whether Putin plans on “deceiving us.”

Share

Recent Posts

Ceasefire over as Israel strikes Gaza after Hamas refused to release hostages, officials say

close Video Ceasefire over as IDF carries out strikes in Gaza Strip Fox News correspondent…

1 hour ago

US forces launch sleek fighter jets to target Houthi terrorists: video

close Video US forces launch sleek fighter jets to target Houthi terrorists: video New video…

1 hour ago

Missing American college student seen in new hotel security footage before disappearance

close Video Missing American college student Sudiksha Konanki seen in hotel security camera video before…

1 hour ago

USPS worker convicted of stealing $1.6 million in checks, then spending it on luxury hotels, gentlemen’s clubs

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for March 17 Fox News Flash top headlines…

1 hour ago

Fani Willis ordered to pay $54K for violating open records laws in Trump case

close Video Fani Willis was 'terrified' because her case against Trump was 'weak,' attorney says…

1 hour ago

Missing American in Dominican Republic: Key witness asks court to end de facto house arrest

close Video Ted Williams says investigators ‘cannot rule anything out’ in search for missing college…

1 hour ago